The Real Deal Los Angeles

The Real Deal Los Angeles

Controversy halts construction of Runyon Canyon basketball court

A lawsuit was filed by residents of the surrounding area earlier this week

April 22, 2016 10:30AM

Neima Khaila (credit: YouTube, whollywoodresidence.com)

Construction of a controversial basketball court at Runyon Canyon Park will be halted amid complaints and a lawsuit from angry neighbors, L.A. council member David Ryu announced this week.

“Per my request, the Department of Recreation and Parks will halt construction of the proposed basketball court at Runyon Canyon Park,” Ryu told the L.A. Times. “The department also agreed with my recommendation to have the Board of Recreation and Parks commissioners reconsider its prior approval of the project.”

The court is a privately funded project undertaken by Neima Khaila, CEO of streetwear company Pink Dolphin. He donated more than $250,000 for the court and a wall to hold up the trail above it. His company’s logo would have been on the center of the court.

But residents of the surrounding area, some of whom recently filed suit to stop the project, say it will create noise pollution and disruption. Some residents also objected to the prospect of corporate marketing infiltrating the park.